Spurs lose some ground in Denver

San Antonio Spurs center Tim Duncan (21) looks to pass the ball as Denver Nuggets forward Kosta Koufos defends in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Denver, Wednesday, April 10, 2013.

San Antonio Spurs center Tim Duncan (21) looks to pass the ball as Denver Nuggets forward Kosta Koufos defends in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Denver, Wednesday, April 10, 2013.

Photo: David Zalubowski / Associated Press

Image 2 of 21

Denver Nuggets guard Andre Miller, left, drives past San Antonio Spurs guard Nando De Colo, of France, in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Denver, Wednesday, April 10, 2013.

Denver Nuggets guard Andre Miller, left, drives past San Antonio Spurs guard Nando De Colo, of France, in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Denver, Wednesday, April 10, 2013.

Photo: David Zalubowski / Associated Press

Image 3 of 21

San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan heads downcourt after scoring against the Denver Nuggets in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Denver, Wednesday, April 10, 2013.

San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan heads downcourt after scoring against the Denver Nuggets in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Denver, Wednesday, April 10, 2013.

Photo: David Zalubowski / Associated Press

Image 4 of 21

Denver Nuggets forward JaVale McGee checks on a television photographer after a collision while pursuing a loose ball out of play against the San Antonio Spurs in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Denver, Wednesday, April 10, 2013. less

Denver Nuggets forward JaVale McGee checks on a television photographer after a collision while pursuing a loose ball out of play against the San Antonio Spurs in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in ... more

Photo: David Zalubowski / Associated Press

Image 5 of 21

San Antonio Spurs forwards Tim Duncan, left, and Tiago Splitter, of Brazil, look on from the bench as time runs out in the fourth quarter of the Denver Nuggets' 96-86 victory over the Spurs in an NBA basketball game in Denver on Wednesday, April 10, 2013. less

San Antonio Spurs forwards Tim Duncan, left, and Tiago Splitter, of Brazil, look on from the bench as time runs out in the fourth quarter of the Denver Nuggets' 96-86 victory over the Spurs in an NBA ... more

Photo: David Zalubowski / Associated Press

Image 6 of 21

Denver Nuggets forward Corey Brewer, front, pulls in a loose ball as San Antonio Spurs guard Cory Joseph, center, and center Matt Bonner, back, cover in the fourth quarter of the Nuggets' 96-86 victory in an NBA basketball game in Denver on Wednesday, April 10, 2013. less

Denver Nuggets forward Corey Brewer, front, pulls in a loose ball as San Antonio Spurs guard Cory Joseph, center, and center Matt Bonner, back, cover in the fourth quarter of the Nuggets' 96-86 victory in an ... more

Photo: David Zalubowski / Associated Press

Image 7 of 21

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich directs his team against the Denver Nuggets in the fourth quarter of the Nuggets' 96-86 victory in an NBA basketball game in Denver on Wednesday, April 10, 2013.

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich directs his team against the Denver Nuggets in the fourth quarter of the Nuggets' 96-86 victory in an NBA basketball game in Denver on Wednesday, April 10, 2013.

Photo: David Zalubowski / Associated Press

Image 8 of 21

Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler, left, drives against San Antonio Spurs guard Cory Joseph in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Denver, Wednesday, April 10, 2013.

Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler, left, drives against San Antonio Spurs guard Cory Joseph in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Denver, Wednesday, April 10, 2013.

Photo: David Zalubowski / Associated Press

Image 9 of 21

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, right, greets Denver Nuggets head coach George Karl before an NBA basketball game in Denver, Wednesday, April 10, 2013.

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, right, greets Denver Nuggets head coach George Karl before an NBA basketball game in Denver, Wednesday, April 10, 2013.

Photo: David Zalubowski / Associated Press

Image 10 of 21

Denver Nuggets guard Andre Iguodala, right, picks up a loose ball as San Antonio Spurs guard Patty Mills, of Australia, covers in the fourth quarter of the Nuggets' 96-86 victory in an NBA basketball game in Denver on Wednesday, April 10, 2013. less

Denver Nuggets guard Andre Iguodala, right, picks up a loose ball as San Antonio Spurs guard Patty Mills, of Australia, covers in the fourth quarter of the Nuggets' 96-86 victory in an NBA basketball game in ... more

Photo: David Zalubowski / Associated Press

Image 11 of 21

Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler, left, goes up for basket as San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan, back right, and center DeJuan Blair cover in the third quarter of the Nuggets' 96-86 victory in an NBA basketball game in Denver on Wednesday, April 10, 2013. less

Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler, left, goes up for basket as San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan, back right, and center DeJuan Blair cover in the third quarter of the Nuggets' 96-86 victory in an NBA ... more

Photo: David Zalubowski / Associated Press

Image 12 of 21

San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan puts his hands on his head as the time runs out in the fourth quarter of the Denver Nuggets' 96-86 victory over the Spurs in an NBA basketball game in Denver on Wednesday, April 10, 2013. less

San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan puts his hands on his head as the time runs out in the fourth quarter of the Denver Nuggets' 96-86 victory over the Spurs in an NBA basketball game in Denver on Wednesday, ... more

Photo: David Zalubowski / Associated Press

Image 13 of 21

San Antonio Spurs guard Cory Joseph, left, drives for the basket as Denver Nuggets guard Evan Fournier, of France, covers in the third quarter of the Nuggets' 96-86 victory in an NBA basketball game in Denver on Wednesday, April 10, 2013. less

San Antonio Spurs guard Cory Joseph, left, drives for the basket as Denver Nuggets guard Evan Fournier, of France, covers in the third quarter of the Nuggets' 96-86 victory in an NBA basketball game in Denver ... more

Photo: David Zalubowski / Associated Press

Image 14 of 21

Denver Nuggets guard Andre Iguodala, left, and forward Kosta Koufos, right, team up to take the ball away from San Antonio Spurs forward Tiago Splitter, center, of Brazil, in the third quarter of the Nuggets' 96-86 victory in an NBA basketball game in Denver on Wednesday, April 10, 2013. less

Denver Nuggets guard Andre Iguodala, left, and forward Kosta Koufos, right, team up to take the ball away from San Antonio Spurs forward Tiago Splitter, center, of Brazil, in the third quarter of the Nuggets' ... more

Photo: David Zalubowski / Associated Press

Image 15 of 21

San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan, right, works the ball inside as Denver Nuggets forward JaVale McGee covers in the third uarter of the Nuggets' 96-86 victory in an NBA basketball game in Denver on Wednesday, April 10, 2013. less

San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan, right, works the ball inside as Denver Nuggets forward JaVale McGee covers in the third uarter of the Nuggets' 96-86 victory in an NBA basketball game in Denver on ... more

Photo: David Zalubowski / Associated Press

Image 16 of 21

San Antonio Spurs center DeJuan Blair, left, confers with head coach Gregg Popovich in the fourth quarter of the Denver Nuggets' 96-86 victory over the Spurs in an NBA basketball game in Denver on Wednesday, April 10, 2013. less

San Antonio Spurs center DeJuan Blair, left, confers with head coach Gregg Popovich in the fourth quarter of the Denver Nuggets' 96-86 victory over the Spurs in an NBA basketball game in Denver on Wednesday, ... more

Photo: David Zalubowski / Associated Press

Image 17 of 21

San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) picks up a loose ball in front of Denver Nuggets forwards Wilson Chandler (21) and Kosta Koufos in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Denver, Wednesday, April 10, 2013. less

San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) picks up a loose ball in front of Denver Nuggets forwards Wilson Chandler (21) and Kosta Koufos in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Denver, Wednesday, ... more

Photo: David Zalubowski / Associated Press

Image 18 of 21

Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried, front, collides with San Antonio Spurs center Aron Baynes as he goes up for a shot in the fourth quarter of the Nuggets' 96-86 victory in an NBA basketball game in Denver on Wednesday, April 10, 2013. less

Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried, front, collides with San Antonio Spurs center Aron Baynes as he goes up for a shot in the fourth quarter of the Nuggets' 96-86 victory in an NBA basketball game in Denver ... more

Photo: David Zalubowski / Associated Press

Image 19 of 21

Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler, front, is stopped as he drives for the basket by San Antonio Spurs forward Matt Bonner in the third quarter of the Nuggets' 96-86 victory in an NBA basketball game in Denver on Wednesday, April 10, 2013. less

Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler, front, is stopped as he drives for the basket by San Antonio Spurs forward Matt Bonner in the third quarter of the Nuggets' 96-86 victory in an NBA basketball game in ... more

Photo: David Zalubowski / Associated Press

Image 20 of 21

San Antonio Spurs center DeJuan Blair, front, hangs on the rim after dunking the ball or a basket as Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler, center, and guard Andre Iguodala, back, look on in the fourth quarter of the Nuggets' 96-86 victory in an NBA basketball game in Denver on Wednesday, April 10, 2013. less

San Antonio Spurs center DeJuan Blair, front, hangs on the rim after dunking the ball or a basket as Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler, center, and guard Andre Iguodala, back, look on in the fourth ... more

Photo: David Zalubowski / Associated Press

Image 21 of 21

Spurs lose some ground in Denver

1 / 21

Back to Gallery

By Mike Monroe, Staff Writer

DENVER — Sometime this spring the Spurs and Nuggets may match up in a big game that will be determined by the battle between premier point guards Tony Parker and Ty Lawson.

Wednesday night’s game at The Pepsi Center, a 96-86 Nuggets victory, wasn’t destined to be that game.

Unable to convince coach Gregg Popovich that his various injuries had healed to the point there was no danger in letting him play, Parker watched the game from the bench. So certain he would play his first game in a week that he did not bring an NBA-approved sports coat and dress shirt, he was in uniform, confusing many in the crowd as to why he didn’t play.

Lawson doesn’t like sitting behind the Nuggets bench under any circumstance so he also suited up despite the fact Denver coach George Karl, wouldn’t allow him to play as he continues recovery from a tear of his left foot plantar fascia.

By game’s end, Lawson at least had the consolation of seeing his team match the greatest number of wins in the franchise’s NBA history, 54.

Parker has been the Spurs most dominant fourth-quarter player all season and it was in the early fourth quarter he was missed most on Wednesday. The Spurs committed three turnovers and missed their first seven shots of the fourth. That got the Nuggets into their running game and a six-point Nuggets lead grew to 19.

“A couple things happened,” Popovich said. “When you don’t make shots it’s pretty easy to fast break the way they did. And turnovers.

“I don’t know what we were from three, but I know it wasn’t good. When you’re that bad from the 3-point line and you turn it over in that particular period at the same time people make runs.”

Indeed, the Spurs had one of their worst 3-point shooting games of the season. Gary Neal was 3-for-8 from range but the rest of the Spurs were 1-for-13.

Neal scored 12 of his 17 points in the final seven minutes and the Spurs trimmed 14 points off Denver’s lead, trailing 91-86 with 1:33 left. That would be as close as they would get.

With the loss the Spurs dropped into second place in the race with the Thunder for first place in the Western Conference. Though the two teams are tied, both 57-21, Oklahoma City owns the tie-breaker.

The Spurs’ lead over third-place Denver fell to three games.

Spurs captain Tim Duncan scored 17 points in the first three periods Wednesday but sat out the fourth, even after the Spurs cut the lead to five.

“(The reserves) fought it back, from whatever it was down to five or six,” he said. “At that point I’m not asking back in the game. Those guys fought us back to that point and if they could get us to the point where we’re close enough I’d like to step in and try to help out but I’m not going to complain about the work they did and the fight they had to get back to where we were.”

Popovich said Parker tried to make a case for playing Wednesday. In the end, he was betrayed, in part, by an injury to his friend Boris Diaw.

“I wouldn’t say he’s 100 percent thrilled,” Popovich said of his pre-game chat with his leading scorer and assist man, “but at this point I’m a little bit paranoid with Manu (Ginobili) being out and now we find out Boris (Diaw) is out for two to three weeks.

“I’m not going to have the guy who’s played the way he’s played all year not be ready for the playoffs, so if I can get him a little bit more rest I think that will be in order considering the little bumps and bruises he has gotten as he’s come back from the (left) ankle sprain.”

Despite the absence of the two premier point guards Popovich called Wednesday’s game a perfect pre-playoff test for a Spurs team that has been sputtering towards the playoffs.

“Denver is probably the best team we could play right now,” he said before tipoff. “We’ve been fighting in our defensive transition a little bit. Obviously that’s one of the great things that they do, push it down the court. I’m really excited to see how we get back on defense.’

“They score about 35 a game in transition and when we played them last time (in a 92-91 Spurs victory on March 27) we did a pretty good job. They had 16 fast break points, instead of 35. That’s what we’re looking for and we’d like to make it even less.

“That’s a big part of it, and the turnovers they create. We’ve been real sloppy in that sense, moving the ball, holding the ball. I’m anxious to see how we do against their pressure and their fanatical sort of dynamic sort of play they have.

“It’s good for us to able to play against that going into the playoffs.”

Popovich was satisfied with his team’s transition defense Wednesday in light of the 15 turnovers his team committed to help get the Nuggets out and running.

“We were fine,’ he said. “You can’t get back off turnovers. That’s what kills you. That was the tough part.”